Dances of Africa explores African dance and features performances of traditional dances including Sohu, Gu Pelou, Mendiani, and Kou Kou.
About the Welcome Dance from Yoruba
Adebola and Jeaunita Olowe discuss Nigerian culture and dance and how they started an African dance company in the United States.
What Dance Means to Me
Jeaunita and Adebola Olowe of Bi-Okoto Drum & Dance Theatre, talk about what dance means to them and their culture.
Performance: E Sin Mi D'Africa
In this video Bi-Okoto Drum and Dance Theatre performs a welcome dance that combines movements from several traditional dances of the Yoruba people of Nigeria.
About the Cleansing Dance from Togo
Jeaunita and Adebola Olowe of Bi-Okoto Drum & Dance Theatre talk about the Sohu, a ritual cleansing dance from Togo.
Performance: Sohu
In this video Bi-Okoto Drum and Dance Theatre performs Sohu, a ritual cleansing dance from Togo.
Performance: Gu Pelou
Moha Dosso, a professional stilt dancer and musician, performs the Gue Pelou dance from the Ivory Coast. The Gue Pelou is a sacred rite used to honor and communicate with the spirit world and can be danced to protect the village.
Performance: Mendiani
Dancer Moha Dosso and the Kyene Drum Ensemble perform the Mendiani, an international West African dance performed mainly in Gambia, Senegal, Mali, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, and the Ivory Coast.
Performance: Kou Kou
In this video Moha Dosso, a professional stilt dancer and musician, performs the Kou-Kou dance from the Ivory Coast. Kou-Kou is a communal recreational dance, often used to teach kids how to dance. Moha Dosso performs with the Kyene Drum Ensemble.